Lotus Foods, an heirloom and organic rice company, has promoted Andrew Burke to CEO. He previously served as president and COO.
Co-Founders Caryl Levine and Ken Lee will remain in their board seats and as visionaries focused on expanding the mission to change how rice is grown globally, according to the company.
Burke joined the company in October 2019 as its first C-suite hire. In his previous position, he oversaw all aspects of the company's operations, supply chain management, finance, marketing, and sales functions. Before Lotus Foods, Burke served as CEO of chocolatier TCHO Chocolate, where he led a corporate strategy to scale the business. He also held leadership roles at E&J Gallo Winery, Diamond Foods, and Nature Box.
"I've had a wonderful four years working with Caryl and Ken and have been humbled to do this important work alongside them," said Burke in a statement. "The entire team at Lotus Foods is united around our mission and committed to growing and innovating. I couldn't be more honored and excited to continue to scale the impact of Lotus Foods with this group of talented people."
Levine and Lee will continue to expand the number of rice growers using regenerative farming techniques, according to the company. Lee will focus on working with existing and new supply chain partners and supporting advocacy and government relations, while Levine will lend her vision to new product development and innovation as well as nurturing relationships with important partners such as Jubilee Justice, which supports Black farming communities using sustainable methods.
"This has been a transition four years in the making," explained Levine and Lee in a statement. "During Andrew's tenure, he has successfully steered the company through the turbulent pandemic and post-pandemic years, increasing revenue and recruiting new creative talent. We can't think of a better person to take on the CEO role as we shift our focus to expanding regenerative organic agriculture globally and fighting the urgent issue of climate change."
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